Galway West TD Eamon O'Cuiv said the group was in line with the wishes and beliefs of most party members.

"The vast majority of the party at Ard Fheis and also of the membership of the parliamentary party believe the correct vote is 'No' ... in order to protect two lives, the mother and, of course, the unborn."

Responding to the photo-call Cora Sherlock of the LoveBoth Campaign said that despite pressure from their leaders, more politicians are coming forward to advocate for a ‘NO’ vote.

"This is happening as it becomes increasingly clear that Simon Harris’ abortion proposals are extreme, including unrestricted abortion up to three months and up to six months on vague mental health grounds. This goes far beyond the law in the Britain where there are over 190,000 abortions per year.”

She concluded: “The only way to stop this extreme abortion proposal is to vote ‘NO’ on May 25 and keep the most important right, the right to life, in our Constitution.”